Her Story
About Mercedes
Mercedes Dishaw brings more than 12 years of experience to her role supporting the CEO in executive administration and business operations. She began her career in 2014 as a receptionist at a pipeline company, where she developed greater confidence and directness. She advanced to become a regional operations assistant at a solar company and later served as an office and IT administrator at a forensic engineering company, taking on additional responsibilities in each position. Her expertise centers on identifying and solving issues before they arise. She holds a Certified Notary Public credential. Although she attended Lone Star College to pursue an associate's degree in computer science, she stepped away after becoming a mother at a young age. Mercedes Dishaw maintains associate membership in the Food Service Consultant Society International (FCSI) and industry membership in the Texas Association for School Nutrition (TASN). She attributes her success to her family's strong work ethic and her desire to model that for her children, and she emphasizes the importance of speaking up confidently, particularly as a woman in corporate environments.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Mercedes
01What do you attribute your success to?
Watching my parents work hard, and Trying to be the best person I can be for my kids.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Speaking up for yourself and being confident, otherwise you just get walked all over. Especially being a woman in the workforce, it's really hard when the majority of the people you deal with, especially in corporate, are men, so you really gotta know what you're doing, and be confident in what you're doing.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don’t underestimate the value of being curious, adaptable, and willing to speak up. Some of the most rewarding opportunities in my career came from saying “yes” to challenges outside my job description and figuring them out along the way. Build strong relationships, ask questions, and never stop learning. Your technical skills will open doors, but your communication, reliability, and ability to solve problems will set you apart. Most importantly, know your worth and don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself—your voice belongs at the table.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, curiosity, and accountability are the values that guide both my career and personal life. I believe in following through on commitments, treating people with respect, and continuously looking for better ways to solve problems. I value collaboration, open communication, and building relationships based on trust. Outside of work, my family keeps me grounded and reminds me that success is about making a positive impact—not just achieving results.
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